Special Events in Palm Springs

January
Annual Desert Plein Air / La Quinta Arts Foundation
This annual art exhibit showcases paintings by Plein Air painters, painters that paint outdoors in the open air. Usually the third week in January. Call 760-564-1244 for more information.

International Film Festival
View hundreds of new films from around the world at certain theaters in Palm Springs. This is one of the country's largest film festivals. Don't be surprised if you see notable attendees from the Los Angeles area. Usually in mid January. Call 760-322-2930 for more information.

Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
This famous golf tournament is hosted by several area golf courses, with proceeds to benefit charities. Usually the third week in January. Call (760) 346-8184 for more information.

February
Verizon Tour de Palm Springs Bike Event
Participants enjoy a bicycle race through Palm Springs and on several different courses of various lengths all for a good cause. A portion of the entry fees and the pledges collected by the riders benefit local charities. In early February. Call (760) 568-2800 for more information.

National Date Festival and County Fair
The Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio hosts an annual celebration of the area's Arabian heritage with a date festival, camel racing, a carnival midway and expositions of local livestock and desert produce. In mid-February. Call (800) 811-FAIR for more information.

Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament
The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells hosts this famous tournament to benefit the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center. In mid-February.Call (760) 674-8447 for more information.

Palm Desert Greek Fest
At the end of February, beginning of March, enjoy the sounds and tastes of Greece. Incredible, fresh, handmade Greek foods, delectable honey drenched pastries and that world famous Baklava. Lamb, gyros, Greek salads, specialty Greek wines and beers, Greek coffee and much more. Live Greek music and dancing, vendors from around the globe, kids' area, Greek groceries and religious items. 74-109 Larrea Street at Lantana Street, Palm Desert. Call (760) 832-2824 for more information.

March
K-Swiss Desert Smash
Early in March, the world's best tennis players and golfers compete in a two-day fundraiser to benefit local charities. Call (760) 773-9800 for more information.

La Quinta Arts Festival
Sculpture, painting, photography, drawing, fine craft and printmaking submitted by artists from all over the world will be on display at this juried outdoor event, accompanied by live entertainment, food, wine and children's activities. Held in mid-March. Call (760) 564-1244 for more information.

Swing'n Dixie Jazz Festival
The finest Dixieland, Swing Jazz and traditional bands in the country gather at Sunrise Park in Palm Springs in mid-March for a weekend of live music, food and family fun. Call (760) 333-7932 for more information.

Native American Film and Art Festival
View twelve feature and short films produced by Native Americans at The Camelot Theatres. The festival also includes panel discussions, an art exhibit and a closing party. Sponsored by the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in mid-March. Call (760) 325-6565 for more information.

April
International Art Fair
The Palm Springs Convention Center hosts an annual fair for artists and galleries, held at the same time as a trade-only exhibition of interior design products by DÉCOR Expo California. Held the first weekend in April. Call (800) 333-7535 for more information.

Swing'n Dixie Jazz Festival
The Riviera Hotel is the center for the best live music around, as jazz musicians from all over the country come to perform, sponsored by the Dixieland Jazz Society of the Desert. Held the first week in April. Call (760) 333-7932 for more information.

White Party
The Jeffrey Sanker organization presents this famous annual dance, disco and pool party, throughout the greater Palm Springs area at a number of different venues, with the central party and program at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Easter weekend. Call (800) 333-7535 for more information.

May
Art Workshops
May is the last month of the season to attend weekly workshops sponsored by the Palm Springs Desert Museum and held at Artists Council Center next door to the Annenberg Theatre. Call (760) 325-7186 for more information.

Smooth Jazz Festival
Jazz musicians from all over the country participate in this annual fundraiser held at the O'Donnell Golf Club in downtown Palm Springs, to benefit Hanson House and the Desert Healthcare Foundation. Usually held mid-May. Call (760) 323-6316 for more information.

Will Clark's Bad Boys Pool Party
Thousands congregate at a private 3-acre Cree Estate to meet and party with their favorite gay adult film stars, which over the last few years has raised almost a half million dollars for L.A. Shanti and AIDS research. Held mid-May. Call (323) 962-8197 for more information.

June
Jam Sessions at Melvyn's
Sample Sunday afternoon sessions with local amateur musicians at Melvyn's restaurant throughout the month. Call (760) 325-0046 for more information.

Film Noir Festival
Classic black and white film noir will be screened at the Camelot Theatres the first weekend in June. Call (760) 325-6565 for more information.

A Weekend with the King
On Father's Day weekend, the Wyndham Palm Springs hotel is the center of festivities, including a gathering of Elvis' closest friends who will reminisce about the King. Call (760) 778-8418 for more information.

July
Desert Film Society
A new film is screened the first Saturday each month at the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs, followed by a discussion. Call (760) 772-3666 for more information.

VillageFest
Enjoy arts, crafts, food, live music, children's activities and a farmers' market, along North Palm Canyon Drive from Biristo Road to Amado Road on Thursday evenings. Call (800) 927-7256 for more information.

August
First Fridays
The shops in Palm Springs' Uptown Heritage Galleries and Antique District hold an open-house until 9 PM, the first Friday, along North Palm Canyon Drive between Amado Road and Tachevah Drive. Call (561) 495-0233 for more information.

Guided Tours of the Palm Springs Desert Museum
Afternoon guided tours, different for children and adults, are given of the permanent collections and changing exhibitions on the weekends. Call (760) 325-7186 for more information.

September
Mall Walks
The perfect September weather might make for the best time of year to join one of the daily 7 AM walks at the Palm Springs Mall, sponsored by "Walk for Life." Call (760) 327-1319 for more information.

October
International Hispanic Film Festival of Greater Palm Springs
The Camelot Theatres host screenings of Hispanic-themed and produced films in mid-October. Call (760) 325-6565 for more information.

November
Rancho Mirage Restaurant Roundup
Sample the best of Rancho Mirage cuisine in early November outdoors at the Agua Caliente Casino where top local chefs will be on hand to prepare their finest creations. For more information, call (888) 999-1995.

December
International Tamale Festival
See and sample all kinds of tamales in Indio's Old Town, and enjoy live entertainment featuring a parade, mariachis, a carnival and fireworks at this all-day festival. Usually held in early December. Call (760) 342-6532 for more information.